Our coming-of-age party!

A friend and I recently concurred that there is a certain age where a line is drawn–the age where your brain might actually work fully. I’ve had this conversation before…the consensus is about 22. No one is saying that 22 is the age where everyone has it figured out; clearly that is not the case. But there comes a time when you realize you’re not the center of the universe and things happen that affect people other than yourself and your circle.

My horoscope (which I can’t help but read everyday! sad I know.) told me today that I would feel every age I have ever felt up to this point in my life. Of course, I didn’t read this until about 8pm. But wow, it was so true for this particular day.

Think about that for a second: your first taste of cheese (that was a big deal for me), the cereal aisle, that first LP you put on your parents’ turn table, your outfit on picture day in grade 1, being called “four-eyes” in grade 3, new friends in grade 6, finally graduating at age 18, figuring out what the hell your role might be at age 20, forgetting nights when you’re 21, becoming friends with the enemy (read: your parents) soon after and realizing what a fool you may or may not have been throughout your “whole life” thus far. Well, holy shit! Imagine what comes next!

There is nothing better in this world than realizing you’re wrong about something. I don’t mean that “learn the hard way” kind of wrong–I’m talking the kind of wrong that creeps up on you when you’re eating lunch one afternoon and your brain says “Hey! Remember when…wow, you’re an idiot!” You get self-conscious, the blood moves into your face and you realize no one is looking at you while you’re having some sort of breakthrough. Nothing more sure than humbling yourself.

I guess that’s why I can’t be too upset about pushing 30. I have my own selfish reasons for being excited about it, but imagine the epiphany I’ll have! No wonder people have heart attacks when they’re 50. If you open up your heart and mind, you’ll forever be surprised!